Ernst: VA whistleblower claims must be reviewed

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) challenged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald on Tuesday over the department’s failure to review all whistleblower claims.

“Unfortunately, it is apparent the department is failing to seriously take into account reports submitted by those who report wrongdoing at VA,” Ernst said. “Regardless of the volume, veterans who bravely served our nation deserve a department that reviews every claim of wrongdoing by those who are dedicated to restoring Americans’ trust in the VA.”

Ernst’s challenge comes after recent testimony from VA Deputy Inspector General Linda Halliday on the small number of whistleblower complaints that are reviewed by the VA Office of Inspector General.

Halliday, speaking in September before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said that 36,000 whistleblower complaints were shelved in 2015 and that only approximately 10 percent of total whistleblower claims were reviewed.

“While the VA must review all claims submitted by whistleblowers, the department must also hold accountable every VA employee who has committed a violation which negatively impacts our veterans,” Ernst said. “This year, the Office of the Special Counsel took in over 2,000 whistleblower claims from the VA. In a September 17, 2015, letter to the White House and Congress, the Office of the Special Counsel disclosed that VA failed to adequately discipline employees for endangering the health and safety of veterans.

“As a member of the Senate, it is my duty to ensure our nation lives up to the promises it has made to our veterans. I urge you to ensure the department examines all whistleblower claims, or if the department is unable to examine all whistleblower claims, seek further assistance to ensure due diligence to all whistleblower claims.”